Monday, December 26
OPERATION MOONLIGHT ENDS
Operation was first in which Iraqi Grunts acted solo, and American forces observed.
| December 21, 2005 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq— Operation Alkamra Almaner (Moonlight) concluded Dec. 20. Moonlight was the first brigade-level operation conducted by Iraqi Army Soldiers in the al Anbar province. Five Iraqi Army companies from 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division led the operation and were supported by a company of U.S. Marines from Regimental Combat Team - 2. The operation netted a weapons cache; additionally, Operation Moonlight demonstrated the Iraqi Army Soldiers’ ability to gather intelligence, plan, execute and exercise command and control during a large-scale operation. The Iraqi Soldiers, with Marines acting as observers, cleared an area east of Ubaydi along the northern and southern banks of the Euphrates River. The area directly to the west was cleared last month during Operation Steel Curtain. No terrorists were encountered during the operation; however, one Iraqi Soldier received minor injuries resulting from a roadside bomb attack. The Soldier was treated at the scene and returned to duty. No Iraqi civilian casualties were reported. No air strikes were conducted during the course of the operation. |
